Since the 1950s, the Harding family of Charlotte, N.C. has been spreading the gospel and leading humanitarian efforts in Africa; from building schools and orphanages to AIDS treatment and prevention to the introduction of clean water. For at least a dozen members of the Harding family or their relatives, training for the mission field was at Columbia International University, beginning with William T. “Bill” Harding III who graduated from CIU in 1950, when the school was known as Columbia Bible College.

On June 18, 2013, the Harding family’s dedication to Africa, especially the nation of Ethiopia, was recognized on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives by Congressman Robert Pittenger, R-N.C. and broadcast live on C-SPAN. See it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpUxy8SaZNo&feature=youtu.be.

The Hardings traveled to Washington, D.C. for the recognition, which included dinner in the Members’ Dining Room of the U.S. House and a meeting with the Ethiopian ambassador.